Trip to Sake to see plantation and charcoal producer. I go with Thierry close to Sake near the border of the Masisi territory. We go to visit a plantation for EcoMakala...Bruno’s project. I love going to field trips and seeing the countryside, the volcanoes, and of course the canopies of Virunga.
Banana trees in the outskirts of Goma
I start taking pictures of what seems to be a shack covered in a UNHCR tarpaulin - and this lady starts to yell at me. Oops! I have invaded her private home - Thierry soon tells me that that is a shack for the army. I am scared. From nowhere we see these guys in gumboots, a stick appearing and looking at me in a way that is not polite and intimidating. They belong to the army but look like they are ex-CNDP based on what they are wearing. Thierry gives them something small and we are off! On the way we pick up an ex-charcoal producer who will take us to the plantation.
The shack that caused us pain!
We go through these windy roads through villages, by lava flows and finally get close to the plantation. We go though thick grass that is taller than us. The plantation is basically non existent with small weedy trees - I notice Thierry taking out his camera in anticipation and then puts it away very quickly.
Mother and son near the WWF plantation
I decide to interview the charcoal maker who used to produce charcoal illegally by the slopes on Nyiragongo. My findings are fascinating and disheartening. The majestic trees of the Virunga are burnt each day to feed Goma.
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